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SUPERFOOD – BEE POLLEN

What is Bee Pollen?

Bee pollen is simply the pollen of flowers that has collected on the fine hairs along the legs of bees.This pollen is then mixed with some nectar and bee enzymes to make “bee pollen”.

Bees work exceptionally hard for their pollen. A small teaspoonful of bee pollen contains 2.5 million granules of flower pollen. It is one of the easiest foods to be digested by the body. This means that the benefits are realised by the body almost instantly.

Nutritional Benefits

Bee pollen is richer in protein than any other animal source. It contains more amino acids than beef, eggs, or cheese per gram.

The amino acids found in Bee Pollen are ‘free’ amino acids, so are readily absorbed by the body.

1. Energy Enhancer – The range of nutrients found within bee pollen makes it a great natural energiser. The carbohydrates, protein and B vitamins can help keep you going all day by enhancing stamina and fighting off tiredness and fatigue.

2. Skin Soother – Bee pollen is often used in topical products that aim to treat inflammatory conditions and common skin irritations like psoriasis or eczema. The amino acids and vitamins protect the skin and aid the regeneration of cells.

3. Respiratory System – Bee pollen contains a high quantity of antioxidants that may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the tissues of the lungs, preventing the onset of asthma.

4. Treating Allergies – Pollen reduces the presence of histamine, ameliorating many allergies. Dr. Leo Conway, M.D of Denver Colorado, reported that 94% of his patients were completely free from allergy symptoms once treated with oral feeding of pollen. Everything from asthma to allergies to sinus problems were cleared, confirming that bee pollen is wonderfully effective against a wide range of respiratory diseases.5. Digestive System – In addition to healthful vitamins, minerals and protein, bee pollen contains enzymes that can aid in digestion. Enzymes assist your body in getting all the nutrients you need from the food that you eat.

6. Immune System Booster – Pollen is good for the intestinal flora and thereby supports the immune system. According to holistic health expert Dr. Joseph Mercola, bee pollen has antibiotic-type properties that can help protect the body from contracting viruses. It’s also rich in antioxidants that protect the cells from the damaging oxidation of free radicals.

Suitable for Vegetarian, Halal and Kosher diets. Not suitable for vegans.

How to use: We have included a recipe below for a smoothie, alternatively it can be added to salads, yogurts, granola. It is naturally sweet and has a great crunch.

Celeb’s Love it!

As with any Superfoods, some of the rich and famous catch on and then hail them as their miracle. To quote Mrs Beckham:

What is Wheatgrass?

Wheatgrass is the young (immature) grass of the wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. It is grown from the wheat seed (wheat berries), which is the whole kernel of the wheat grain.

Wheatgrass is considered by many people to be the most healing of all grasses. it contains more than 90 elements from the soil, and it is one of nature’s richest sources of vitamins A and C. When it is grown in fertile organic soil, it contains all of the known mineral elements and is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, sulfur, sodium, cobalt and zinc. Wheatgrass is also abundant in vitamin B-17, a substance that can destroy cancer cells selectively some say.

Scientists at the University of Texas concluded that wheatgrass juice is exceptional in its chlorophyll content. Known as “nature’s greatest healer,” chlorophyll produces an environment that suppresses bacterial growth in the body and counteracts ingested toxins. It also helps to purify the liver, build the blood’s oxygen-carrying potential and regulate digestion. Also responsible for the vibrant green colour of the grass.

Amino Acids
Wheatgrass also contains twelve amino acids including the eight essential amino acids: phenylalanine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, isoleucine, methionine,leucine, and lysine. Essential amino acids are those that the body cannot create, they must be obtained through one’s diet. Perfect for those active bodies.

Predigested Food
Wheatgrass is considered a predigested food. It does not require enzymes for breaking down proteins. Wheatgrass contains both amino acids and glucose therefore it is readily assimilated in the body. Ensures superior absorption of nutrients.

Chlorophyll
Wheatgrass is rich in Chlorophyll. Chlorophyll has a molecular structure almost identical to haemoglobin in human red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen around the body. Chlorophyll cleanses the liver, tissues and cells and purifies the blood. Wheatgrass helps remove toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury, aluminium, that have become stored in the tissues of the body. It also aids in detoxification by breaking up impacted matter in the colon. It also helps fight infection therefore aiding the body’s natural self healing process. Perfect for Detox and Gut Health

Health Benefits

Serving Suggestions: Perfect for smoothies, yoghurt, protein shakes, sprinkled over salads – and if you’re feeling brave just with water!

Energising Wheatgrass Smoothie

Recipie

100ml Apple Juice

1 banana (peeled and chopped in half)

approx 25g/handful of Kale/Spinach

1 tbsp Wheatgrass Powder

1tsp Honey (if desired)

Method:Place all ingredients in the blender in order as above – pulverise to desired thickness! Add more apple juice for a thinner consistency.

Pour and enjoy the virtuous feeling of the nutrient packed smoothie

WARNING: Wheatgrass powder is a very light powder and will get everywhere, so use sparingly and with care. Think of icing sugar – but finer!